This is where I think out loud about Life, the Universe and Everything. I consider life an adventure and this is part of mine whether I'm ranting on politics or taking you on a ramble through Kay's World.

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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Banned Books Week! September 24−October 1, 2011 Read One Today!

It's National Banned Books Week so I'm urging y'all to head your bookshelves, local library, or bookseller and read a banned book.

I'm gonna re-read Catcher in the Rye just for fun. My ex teases me about it because he says I'm too shy about using the F-bomb but I love Salinger's book and thinks that's weird. Oh well. I've never claimed to be anything but unpredictable. Besides, telling me that a book is banned is like waving a red flag in front of a bull -- I simply have to read it! And I find some of the entries downright astounding. It takes a really sick mind to find Wuthering Heights or Macbeth worthy of banning -- just my take. If anyone has such a mind, stop reading now and go find another blog to read.

So, do y'all want to join me in reading a banned book? Here's a list of banned and challenged books -- some of which will amaze or amuse you. Wuthering Heights? Puh-lease!!!! Have fun!

I remember I had to read James Joyce's "Portrait of an Artist" (curiously, not on your list) when I was in high school. I hated it. It was difficult to read. I complained to my dad at the time, and a smile crossed his face. "I remember reading that book when I was in high school," he told me, "except I wasn't allowed to read it. I had to hide it from my teachers and my parents because it was banned at school. But ... I loved that book."

I think the main reason he liked it was b/c he wasn't supposed to read it. Such is the power of banning a book. Maybe if we banned MORE books, then kids would be inspired to read more. Hmmm, probably not.

Btw, much later I reread "Portrait of an Artist" and liked it better. By then I was 50, and a little more "mature."

Don't think I'm quite ready for "Ulysses" yet (maybe when I'm 100). But I have been meaning to go back and reread "To Kill a Mockingbird." Thanks for inspiring me to do that.

Btw, what a great list of books. Could be the basis for an interesting college course (maybe it already is.)

Wally: Good for you!!!! I was an English/Spanish major and have read about half of them (guessing here). I hope to have read all of them by the time I die.

Kay: Astounding, isn't it and I must be an awful mom because I ready "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" to the Dynamic Duo!! They loved it.

Sightings: I think "Portrait" is on the list -- I just put the short list here. I doubt I'll ever read "Ulysses" -- I've started it several time. And yeah, it would be a great course and I would love to teach it!!!!

Nance: Same here!!! I keep a copy of The Devil's Dictionary on my desk!! Bierce was the Bill Maher of his day!!!